Harm Reduction and Needle Syringe Program

Harm Reduction refers to the interventions, including programs and policies, that aim to reduce the potentially adverse health, social and economic consequences of problematic substance use, and can include (but does not require) abstinence from substances. (Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy 2011). This strategy can be accessed at Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy website. The Strategy's vision is to make Waterloo Region safer and healthier.

Harm Reduction benefits people who use drugs, their families and the community. (International Harm Reduction Association, 2010). The Region of Waterloo Public Health is mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to provide harm reduction strategies/services.

These strategies/services are a necessary public health program that are in place to prevent the spread of blood-borne infections including HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B.

Injecting drugs, including steroids, is always risky. Sharing needles and other drug equipment puts you at risk of contracting blood-borne infections. Needle Syringe Services are provided at several locations in Waterloo Region on a confidential and non-judgmental basis.

NOTE: Check the Sanguen Mobile Van Outreach that brings necessary services to anyone who requires them. A Public Health Nurse is available on The Van on Thursday evenings to assist with health outreach including:

testing for STIs and pregnancy

birth control and emergency contraception

naloxone education

harm reduction supplies

referrals

Services offered at Region of Waterloo Public Health

Services offered at Region of Waterloo Public Health include the following:

Needle Syringe services which include provision of clean and sterile drug-using equipment including new needles, sterile water, alcohol swabs, cookers, filters, vitamin C and tourniquets. Also included are various sizes of sharps containers. Public Health will also take back used syringes and containers.

Naloxone Dispensing Program for individuals at risk for opioid overdose, or for family/friends that are concerned about someone at risk for overdose.

Ontario.ca/OpioidOverdose - this website is a central resource for opioid overdose and naloxone information; there is also a locator tool that directs Ontarians to participating Ontario Naloxone Program sites, correctional facilities, and local pharmacies.

How to pick up a needle

Use tongs, pliers or tweezers to pick up the needle. Be sure to clean and disinfect the pickup instrument afterwards.

Pick up the needle by the plastic end (syringe).

Point the needle tip away from your body. Be very careful not to poke yourself with the needle.

Put the sharps disposal container on a stable surface next to the needle. Do not hold the container in your hand while placing the needle inside.

Place the needle point down into the container. Do not force the needle into the container.

If you do not have a specialized sharps container, put the needle into a non-breakable, puncture-proof container with a lid. (i.e. thick plastic bottle or tin can)

Close the container securely.

Find the nearest needle disposal location. Do not flush needles down the toilet or put them in the garbage or recycling box.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after removal of gloves.

If a needle injury occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

REMEMBER: Do not throw loose needles and other sharps into the trash. Place needles in tamper resistant sharps containers or a puncture proof container. More information can be found on the Waste Management website: WasteWiz

Please bring your used sharps containers or puncture proof containers to any needle syringe program location for FREE disposal. Some select pharmacies will also take used sharps/needles for disposal. Here is a link for further information on pharmacies that will accept sharps. Remember, do not recap used needles!

Other locations where used needles can be dropped off are the Needle Syringes locations listed below.